De Broglie wavelength of a neutron

In summary, the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron with kinetic energy equal to the average kinetic energy of a gas of neutrons at temperature T = 17 K can be calculated by using the formula lambda = h/mv. However, the attempt at a solution using this formula is incorrect due to errors with units and the assumption that velocity is equal to sqrt(T). To get the correct answer, the complete formula for velocity from the kinetic theory of gases should be used, starting with KE= 3/2 kB*T.
  • #1
Physics321
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Homework Statement


What is the de Broglie wavelength of a neutron whose kinetic energy is equal to the average kinetic energy of a gas of neutrons at temperature T = 17 K?


Homework Equations


lambda = h/p = h/mv.


The Attempt at a Solution



Well first I tried taking the h = 6.63E-34 Jxs and dividing it by the mass times the square root of T = 17 K

Thus,

(6.63E-34)/(1.6E-27 kg)(sqrt(17)) x (1E9 m) = 100.500 nm.

I did this because we know from kinetic theory that T is proportional to the root mean square velocity v in the gas, so that v scales as sqrt(T). This means that the momentum scales in the same way, while the wavelength as 1/sqrt(T).

I'm not sure where to go from here, since the answer is not correct. =/
 
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  • #2
Physics321 said:

(6.63E-34)/(1.6E-27 kg)(sqrt(17)) x (1E9 m) = 100.500 nm.

I did this because we know from kinetic theory that T is proportional to the root mean square velocity v in the gas, so that v scales as sqrt(T). This means that the momentum scales in the same way, while the wavelength as 1/sqrt(T).

The Attempt at a Solution



If you look at the units alone you can see that the formula has some problems.
What are the units for sqrt(17K)? (I suppose you mean 17K)
It is true that v is proportional with sqrt(T) but it is not equal to this.
You need to take the complete formula for v (or p) from the kinetic theory of gases to get the right units (and the right answer, maybe).

You can start with KE= 3/2 kB*T where KE is the average kinetic energy.
 

Related to De Broglie wavelength of a neutron

1. What is the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron?

The De Broglie wavelength of a neutron is the wavelength associated with its wave-like behavior. It is given by the equation λ = h/mv, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the neutron, and v is its velocity.

2. How is the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron different from that of other particles?

The De Broglie wavelength of a neutron is different from that of other particles because it is a neutral particle, meaning it has no electric charge. This allows it to have a longer wavelength compared to charged particles with the same mass and velocity.

3. What is the significance of the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron?

The De Broglie wavelength of a neutron is significant because it demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter. It shows that all particles, including neutrons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.

4. How is the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron measured?

The De Broglie wavelength of a neutron can be measured using diffraction or interference experiments. In these experiments, the neutron's wave-like behavior can be observed by measuring its interference with other waves or its diffraction through a barrier.

5. Can the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron be changed?

Yes, the De Broglie wavelength of a neutron can be changed by altering its velocity. As the velocity of the neutron increases, its wavelength decreases. This is because the De Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the velocity of the particle.

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